Uncle Ned pays the Keatons a visit. However, it becomes quickly evident to Alex that Ned has developed a drinking problem. Alex tries to convince his reluctant family of Ned's addiction before it's too late.

This episode is best remembered for Tom Hanks' guest starring as kooky Uncle Ned and you can see all the Hank-isms that Tom will be well be known for in his comedic roles but what I always found annoying was the blatant stupidness of the audience laughing at all the inappropriate moments.

The kitchen scene where Uncle Ned goes off on an alcoholic binge and then later when he inaverdently slaps Alex to the ground in both instances the audience breaks out in laughter, I mean seriously how insensitive were audience tapings that they burst into laughter?

It was a different time. Back then, drunks were considered funny.

That’s how I first learned that vanilla extract had alcohol. That scene was forever burned in my brain.